Executive Summary:

Through the
cooperation of the Ministry of Social Solidarity, this project seeks to build
the capacity of civil servants working within various ministries of Egyptian
government, NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), so that they can
better understand each other’s objectives and goals, and thus ease the burden
of each respective entity within the current and upcoming political climate in
Egypt.

CSOs may play a vital
role in consolidating democracy, which is crucial in light of Egypt’s current
transition to democracy. Increased cooperation between the public sector and
civil society would result in more effective planning and policy; and more
efficient and less costly project implementation by Egyptian NGOs, leading to
overall improved working conditions and an environment of cooperation for civil
society, resulting in an increased general welfare for society. Moreover,
cooperation between public sector and civil society in a number of countries
has revealed that the prevalence of mistrust between both sectors may form an
obstacle for the successful realization of such cooperation.

Over a period of
12 months, the project seeks to bring together representatives from government
ministries at the local and national level, local civil society
representatives, and local and international aid agencies and funding
institutions. Together, they will participate in a variety of capacity building
activities to increase effective cooperation between the entities and break down
barriers to success in efforts enacted by all players of civil society.

Target Population:

This project will
target various civil servant representatives as “Trainer Advocates” from all
governorates of Egypt, with multiple representatives from densely populated
areas (Cairo, Giza, Alexandria). Additional representatives will attend from
NGO departments located within specific ministries (such as the Ministry of
Culture, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, and the Ministry of Education). The
estimated amount of Trainer Advocates to be trained will be 60. Civil servant
representatives will be identified by recommendation from each targeted
ministry, with an emphasis on the Ministry of Social Solidarity and other
ministries whose work tends to overlap with civil society (such as the Ministry
of Culture, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of State for Youth). El Sadat
Association will approve recommendations and ensure the most competent
participants are selected through a process of reviewing credentials,
participant motivation, etc.

Furthermore, at least
5400 civil servants will be trained in the extensive training conducted by
trainers. Participants in these trainings will be selected by coordination with
relevant ministries who will recommend applicants whose credentials align with
posted participant credentials (ie., ideal applicants will be in
middle-management positions, interact with civil society or participate in a
process which governs external relations with civil society or similar stakeholders,
and applicants must show enthusiasm to become trained advocates for the
program).

Forums and planning
sessions will invite the cooperation of representatives from civil society
organizations throughout Egypt, local and international funding institutions,
media, community leaders, and more.

Project Description &
Objectives:

Over a period of 12
months, this project would aim to achieve the following objectives listed

1. Train at least 60 civil servant representatives as
trainers, in a series of six workshops.

2. Trained civil servant representatives “
Trainer-Advocates” will each conduct three trainings in governorates around
Egypt, to train at least 30 employees per workshop, in each governorate.

3. A series of Civil Society Forums will be held, with
representatives from NGOs, the public sector, local/international funding
agencies, media, and community representatives in attendance.

4. The creation of a Reference Manual for Civil Servants.

5. The establishment of a public sector-civil society
network.

6. Sustainability planning and the creation of a roadmap for
civil society, government, and funders.